Apple's Podcasts app has long been a horrid example of Scott Forstall's most epic crime as a software designer: Skeuomorphism. Why do I need a graphic of a reel-to-reel tape machine in my app? HOW CLEVER! Get it? Yes, radio used to be recorded and edited on reels of tape, but that design reference doesn't do anything good for consumers. Apple has updated the app, and the catastrophe in the image above has been addressed.

Amongst the paltry upgrades to the Apple Podcasts app is the following glorious improvement:

The Now Playing view has been redesigned with easier to use playback controls

Part of that interface change is that you can no longer access the reel-to-reel "now playing" view that was there before. That weird old thyme reference never did any good. It just made the app harder to use.

It's so much better when everything's in its right place. This is a smart digital interface. You don't need or benefit from the option to view fake reels:

Unfortunately, the app's catastrophic performance didn't end at this single detail. Apple has also upgraded the app with a few other improvements like the ability to create custom stations and on-the-go playlists. We don't think that's gonna be enough to change the app's pathetic two-star rating right away, but hey, it's a step in the right direction. [iTunes]